"This is the first college where actually every single step of the class is personalized for each student," asserts Tade Oyerinde, Campus founder and chancellor, highlighting the core vision driving their recent acquisition. Campus, an online community college, has acquired Sizzle AI, an AI-powered learning app founded by Jerome Pesenti, former VP of Meta AI. Pesenti will now serve as Campus's Chief Technology Officer.
Oyerinde spoke with "Squawk Box" at CNBC about the acquisition of Sizzle AI, the role of large language models (LLMs) in higher education, and the economics underpinning Campus's business model. This move signifies a strategic pivot towards leveraging AI to enhance the learning experience and address critical challenges in higher education, like graduation rates and student debt.
One key insight lies in Sizzle AI's approach to learning. Pesenti explains, "We don't give people the answer, we help them learn." The app identifies knowledge gaps and guides students toward understanding, fostering critical thinking rather than rote memorization. This aligns with a broader trend in education towards personalized learning, where AI tailors the curriculum to individual needs and learning styles. This means using multiple LLMs, depending on the subject matter.
The acquisition also underscores the importance of human connection in education. The interviewer asked, "Do you have any fear or worry that as the large language models unto themselves get better and improve on their own, that they effectively can do what you're already doing?" Oyerinde emphasized the irreplaceable role of human interaction, stating, "You cannot replace college with just an LLM. Students need to actually connect with professors, build relationships with them." This commitment is reflected in Campus's model, where every 50 students are assigned a dedicated "success coach" providing personalized guidance and support.
Another crucial insight from the interview is the focus on addressing the student debt crisis. Oyerinde reveals that 86% of Campus students pay nothing out of pocket, thanks to their Pell Grant-aligned tuition model. He argues that reducing student loan debt and providing practical skills training are essential for ensuring young people have hope for their future. The acquisition of Sizzle AI is not just about incorporating cutting-edge technology; it's about creating a more accessible, affordable, and effective pathway to higher education.
